Head of Risk and Compliance - Brazil

About the role

A global fintech developing infrastructure for cross-border payments, foreign exchange and digital asset liquidity is launching in Brazil and is looking for a Head of Risk and Compliance. This is a senior leadership role combining hands-on execution with statutory responsibility before the Banco Central do Brasil (BCB), subject to regulatory approval. You will lead second-line oversight across local operations and work closely with local and global leadership to support a compliant, scalable launch.

Key responsibilities

• Lead financial crime compliance: set up and run the local AML/CFT framework, including beneficial ownership verification, PEP and sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, Travel Rule compliance and reporting to COAF.
• Own risk management and internal controls: implement an integrated risk framework, oversee regulatory capital requirements, maintain operational risk records and report to the Board.
• Oversee partner and vendor compliance: conduct due diligence and ongoing risk assessments for banking and Banking-as-a-Service partners, liquidity providers and critical vendors.
• Manage regulatory relationships: act as primary contact for BCB, COAF and external auditors on risk and compliance matters.
• Build local governance: develop policies, controls and reporting processes that meet Brazilian regulatory requirements and fit the global framework.
• Partner with commercial, operations, product and technology leaders to embed effective controls as the operation grows.

Required profile

• At least eight years of experience in senior risk or compliance roles in regulated Brazilian financial institutions such as banks, payment institutions or virtual asset service providers.
• Fluency in Portuguese and English.
• Residency in Brazil, an unblemished professional reputation and eligibility for BCB approval as a statutory officer.

Required skills

• Deep knowledge of Brazilian AML/CFT requirements, financial regulation, risk management, internal controls and COAF reporting systems.
• Familiarity with BCB Circular 3,978/2020 and Resolutions 520/2025, 260/2022 and 265/2022.
• Experience engaging directly with regulators and external auditors.
• Ability to turn regulatory requirements into practical policies, processes and controls.